Posted By Jim Armstrong On August 26, 2011 @ 6:02 pm In Game Day | No Comments

LOS ANGELES — Huston Street is back, but not as the Rockies’ closer. Not with the way Rafael Betancourt has been pitching.

“I’m not going to pull the plug on Betancourt right now,’’ said Rockies manager Jim Tracy. “I can’t do that … can’t do it.’’

Street, who went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right triceps, has been activated, along with fellow reliever Matt Lindstrom. The Rockies have optioned J.C. Romero and Josh Roenicke to Triple A Colorado Springs, but Tracy said both would rejoin the team when rosters expand on Sept. 1.

Betancourt has been outstanding for the past several weeks, allowing one unearned run and striking out 30 in his last 20 outings, a span of 17 2/3 innings. He converted three saves in Street’s absence and will get the opportunity for more.

“I think it goes without saying that you wouldn’t expect a guy to be moved to the side and back to the eighth inning and throw Huston right back in there,’’ said Tracy. “That may end up playing out badly for Huston if you want to get right down to it.

“With the work that Rafael Betancourt is doing right now, I don’t think it’s fair to the club and I don’t think it’s fair to either individual to flip flop that out immediately. It’s much better for us and them if we kind of easer Streeter back in.’’

Tracy said Street figures to work from the seventh inning on, but wouldn’t commit to a timeframe for working him back into the closer’s role, where he has racked up 29 saves in 32 opportunities.

“I don’t have a drop-dead date of any kind or anything like that, said Tracy. “It’s an opportunity to get him out there and let him test the waters a little bit in a little bit less stressful situation.’’

Street said before tonight’s series opener at Dodger Stadium that he was fine with any decision that Tracy made, but, “Obviously, I want to be back in the role as soon as possible.’’